JP2002113850A - Ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink jet recorder which can record a high quality image without lowering the recording speed. SOLUTION: At the time of recording a black image on a plain paper in image quality preference mode, the edge region of a black region to be recorded is recorded with first black ink K1, i.e., a low permeability pigment ink, and the inner region surrounded by the edge region is recorded with combination of the first black ink K1 and second black ink K2, i.e., a high permeability dye ink. At the time of recording a black image on a plain paper in speed preference mode, the edge region in the main scanning direction is recorded with the first black ink K1 and the inner region between the edge regions in the main scanning direction is recorded alternately with the first black ink K1 and second black ink K2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly, to a method using a first black ink and a second black ink having a lower permeation rate to a recording medium than the first black ink. The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus that performs black recording on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink jet recording apparatuses generally use highly permeable dye inks as C (cyan), M (magenta) and Y (yellow) inks and high inks as K (black (black)) inks. A permeable dye ink or a low permeable pigment ink is often used.

Here, when a black area is recorded on plain paper using a black dye ink having high permeability, an image with little bleeding can be obtained at the boundary area between the black area and the color area. And the ink easily bleeds along the fibers of the recording paper, causing a decrease in print quality. Further, in this case, in a black region not in contact with the color region, bleeding is likely to occur in an edge region of the black region, causing a decrease in print quality.

On the other hand, when a black area is recorded on plain paper using a low-permeability black pigment ink, an image is obtained in which the density of the black area is high and ink bleeding along the fibers of the recording paper is small. In addition, bleeding is likely to occur in a boundary region between a black region and a color region, causing a decrease in print quality. In this case, in a black region not in contact with the color region, an image with less blur is obtained,
There is a problem that unevenness is likely to occur due to aggregation of the pigment and drying is slow.

Table 1 shows the characteristics of each black ink when a black area is recorded on plain paper as described above.

[0006]

[Table 1]

The characteristics shown in Table 1 are not limited to the dye inks having high permeability and the pigment inks having low permeability. , The lower the permeability of the ink, the closer to the characteristics of the pigment ink having the low permeability.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, two types of cartridges having black inks having different characteristics are prepared, and the cartridges are selected and exchanged according to the print quality required by the user, and the image is formed. There is a recording method for recording. However, in this method, a mechanism for replacing the cartridge, a mechanism for recognizing the cartridge and control are required, so that the apparatus becomes complicated, it takes time and effort to replace the cartridge, and a large amount of ink is required every time the cartridge is replaced. Is consumed for maintenance, so that running costs are increased and a case for storing unused cartridges is required.

As techniques that can be applied to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.
The techniques described in JP-A-125406 and JP-A-11-227229, that is, two types of black ink having different characteristics are provided in an ink jet recording apparatus, and the two types of black ink are used when recording in a black area. There has been a technique for appropriately using the black ink.

That is, according to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-187880, a quick-drying ink and a slow-drying ink are provided as black ink, and a black region and a non-black color are used to reduce bleeding between colors. A boundary region between the regions was printed using only quick-drying ink, and other black regions were printed using both quick-drying ink and slow-drying ink.

In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-125406, a low-permeability ink and a high-permeability ink are provided as black ink, and a black area is determined based on image data of an image to be recorded. The black area adjacent to the color area is printed using high-penetration ink, and the black area not adjacent to the color area is printed using only low-penetration ink. I was

Further, in the technique described in JP-A-11-227229, a low-permeability pigment ink and a high-permeability dye ink are provided as black ink, and the material of the recording medium and the image to be printed are prepared. The ink to be used is determined according to the determination result of the adjacent state between the black area and the color area based on the image data.

[0013]

However, according to the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-187880, an edge area which does not contact a color area in a black area is printed using both quick drying ink and slow drying ink. Therefore, black bleeding easily occurs in the edge area, the density is low, and sufficient image quality cannot be obtained.
There was a problem.

According to the techniques described in JP-A-7-125406 and JP-A-11-227229, an image is recorded using a low-permeability ink in a black area not adjacent to a color area. Therefore, a long time is required for drying the recorded image, and high-speed recording cannot be performed.

Furthermore, in the techniques described in the above publications, it is necessary to increase the number of nozzles for ejecting ink in order to make the recording speed the same as the conventional technique using only one type of black ink. However, there is a problem that the size of the apparatus is increased due to this, and conversely, in order to make the apparatus size the same, it is necessary to reduce the number of nozzles for each type of ink, and the recording speed decreases. There was a problem.

That is, since there is a limit to the number of ink ejections per predetermined time by a single nozzle, it is necessary to increase the number of ink types to be used and to make the recording speed the same as before the increase in the ink types. It is necessary to increase the number of nozzles by the number corresponding to the increased number of types of ink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its first object to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of performing high quality image recording without lowering the recording speed. It is a second object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of performing high-quality image recording while suppressing a decrease in recording speed due to an increase in the number of inks without increasing the size of the apparatus. .

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus comprising:
An ink jet recording apparatus that performs black recording on a recording medium using a first black ink and a second black ink that has a lower permeation rate to the recording medium than the first black ink, and is a recording target. Detecting means for detecting an edge region of a black region; recording the edge region with the second black ink; and defining an inner region surrounded by the edge region with the first black ink and the second black ink. And setting means for setting so as to record in combination.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the recording medium is formed by using the first black ink and the second black ink having a lower penetration speed into the recording medium than the first black ink. When performing black recording, an edge area of a black area to be recorded is detected by the detection unit. Here, the width of the edge region may be the width of one pixel located at the outermost periphery of the black region, or may be the width of a plurality of pixels at the outermost periphery. In addition, as the first black ink and the second black ink, a form in which both pigment inks are applied, a form in which both dye inks are applied, a pigment ink as the first black ink, and a second ink A form in which a dye ink is used as the black ink can be used.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the edge area is recorded with the second black ink, and the inner area surrounded by the edge area is formed of the first black ink and the second black ink. Are set by the setting means so that the information is recorded in combination with

That is, the ink has the property that the faster the ink penetrates into the recording medium, the shorter the time required for drying. Therefore, in the present invention, utilizing this property, the first black ink having a relatively high permeation speed for the inner region, that is, the first black ink having a relatively short drying time, is used for forming the first black ink having a relatively low permeation speed, that is, a black color. By setting the recording in combination with the second black ink having a relatively high density, the drying time of the internal area which generally occupies most of the black area can be shortened, and the edge area of the black area can be reduced by the above-described method. By setting so as to record only with the black ink of No. 2, high image quality is achieved.

As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the first aspect, the edge region of the black region is recorded with the second black ink having a relatively low penetration speed, that is, a relatively high black density. As a result, the image quality of the edge region can be improved, and the penetration speed of the internal region surrounded by the edge region is relatively high, that is, the first time required for drying is relatively short. Since the recording is performed in combination with the black ink and the second black ink, the drying speed can be increased as compared with the case where the recording is performed using only the second black ink. Thus, high-quality image recording can be performed without lowering the recording speed.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the second object,
3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first black ink and the second black ink having a lower permeation speed into the recording medium than the first black ink perform black recording on the recording medium. A recording device,
Detecting means for detecting an edge area of a black area to be recorded in the main scanning direction; recording the edge area with the second black ink; and defining an internal area sandwiched between the edge areas with the first black ink And a setting unit for setting so as to perform recording by alternately using the second black ink and the second black ink.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the recording medium is formed by using the first black ink and the second black ink, which has a lower penetrating speed into the recording medium than the first black ink. When performing black recording, the detecting unit detects an edge region of the black region to be recorded in the main scanning direction. Here, the width of the edge region may be the width of one pixel located at the outermost periphery of the black region in the main scanning direction, or may be the width of a plurality of pixels at the outermost periphery. In addition, as the first black ink and the second black ink, a form in which both pigment inks are applied, a form in which both dye inks are applied, a pigment ink as the first black ink, and a second ink A form in which a dye ink is used as the black ink can be used.

In the invention according to claim 2, the edge area is recorded with the second black ink, and the inner area sandwiched between the edge areas is the first black ink and the second black ink. Are set by the setting means so that the recording is alternately used.

As described above, according to the ink-jet recording apparatus of the second aspect, the penetration speed of the edge region of the black region in the main scanning direction is relatively low, that is, the second black color having a relatively high black density. Since the recording is performed with the ink, the image quality of the edge area can be improved, and the internal area sandwiched between the edge areas has a relatively high permeation speed, that is, a relatively long time required for drying. Since the recording is performed by combining the short first black ink and the second black ink, the drying speed can be increased as compared with the case of recording using only the second black ink, As a result, high-quality image recording can be performed without lowering the recording speed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the internal area is recorded by alternately using the first black ink and the second black ink. Because the ejection frequency can be reduced,
The recording speed can be increased, and as a result, the decrease in the recording speed due to the increase in the type of ink can be suppressed without increasing the number of nozzles for ink ejection, that is, without increasing the size of the apparatus. Can be.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, when recording a black portion of a color image, the setting means sets a color in the edge area. An area that is in contact with the area may be set to be recorded with the first black ink.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the setting means according to the first or second aspect of the present invention is arranged such that an area of the edge area which is in contact with the color area is recorded with the first black ink. Is set. Here, the width of the region in contact with the color region may be the width of one pixel located in the region, or may be the width of a plurality of pixels in the region.

As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the third aspect, the same effect as that of the first or second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and the ink jet recording apparatus contacts the color area of the edge area. Since the area is recorded with the first black ink, it is possible to prevent the ink from bleeding in the area in contact with the color area.

In general, in the case of black ink, the dye ink has a high permeability, and the pigment ink has a low permeability in many cases.

Therefore, like the invention according to claim 4, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first black ink may be a dye ink and the second black ink may be a pigment ink.

When an image is recorded on glossy paper using a black pigment ink, glossiness is lost and a phenomenon called smudge, in which the recorded image is peeled off easily, is liable to occur. , M and Y dye inks were combined to record a black area by process black. However, in this case, depending on the characteristics of the color ink to be used, the black color does not become black, which causes a decrease in recording quality.

Therefore, as in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the setting means in the fourth aspect of the present invention is such that when the recording medium is glossy paper, the entire area of the black area is recorded with the dye ink. It is preferable to set Thereby, smudge can be prevented, and the recording quality for black can be improved.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a printing unit 10 particularly related to the present invention in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 10 of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of head cartridges 2 each of which is filled with ink of a corresponding color and which discharges the filled ink. The mounted carriage 1 and a guide shaft 3 that guides the carriage 1 so that the carriage 1 moves along the carriage scanning direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1, which corresponds to the main scanning direction of the present invention). It is comprised including.

In this ink jet recording apparatus, the carriage 1 is moved along the guide shaft 3 in one direction of the carriage scanning direction (for example, leftward in FIG. 1) and the image data of the image to be recorded on the recording medium 4 The main scanning is performed by ejecting ink from the head cartridge 2 based on the above, and the carriage 1 is moved along the guide shaft 3 in the other direction of the carriage scanning direction (for example, rightward in FIG. 1) (returns). ), The sub-scanning is performed by moving the recording medium 4 by a predetermined distance in the paper conveying direction by a paper conveying device (not shown). Be recorded.

The ink jet recording apparatus according to this embodiment has two types of recording modes, an image quality priority mode in which image quality is prioritized over the recording speed (printing speed) and a speed priority mode in which recording speed is prioritized over image quality. A mode is prepared, and one of the recording modes is selectively set and executed according to a request from a user.

The head cartridge 2 according to the present embodiment can have various configurations according to the color and characteristics of the ink to be ejected. Next, a configuration example of the head cartridge 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 while comparing with a configuration of a conventional head cartridge. 2 (A) and 2 (B) show an example of the configuration of a conventional head cartridge using four types of inks, and FIGS. 2 (C) to 2 (F) show 5 examples according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a head cartridge that uses different types of ink.

The conventional configuration shown in FIG. 2A has a total of four head cartridges, one for each of the first black ink K1, cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink Y. This is a configuration in the case of using head cartridges. The number of nozzles for ink ejection in each head cartridge is the same.

Further, the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 2 (B) has the first black ink K1 and the color inks (C, M,
Y) One head cartridge for each, a total of 2
This is a configuration in the case of using head cartridges. In this case, the head cartridge for color ink is divided into three for each ink of cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink Y.

As described above, the configuration of the conventional head cartridge shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is an example of a configuration in which a single black ink is applied.

On the other hand, in the configuration example of the head cartridge according to the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 2C to 2F, two types of ink (first ink) having different characteristics as black ink. Black ink K1 and second black
Ink K2) is applied.

That is, the configuration shown in FIG.
Black ink K1, second black ink K2, cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink
This is a configuration in the case where a total of five head cartridges are used, one for each head cartridge of ink Y. The number of nozzles for ink ejection in each head cartridge is the same.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2D has a total of four heads, one for each of black ink, cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink Y head cartridges. -This is the configuration when a cartridge is used. In this case, the black ink head cartridge is divided into two parts for the first black ink K1 and the second black ink K2.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2E has one head cartridge for each of the first black ink K1, the second black ink K2, and the color ink (C, M, Y). , A total of three head cartridges are used. In this case, the head cartridge for color ink is divided into three for each ink of cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink Y.

Further, the configuration shown in FIG. 2F uses two head cartridges, one for each of black ink and one for color ink (C, M, Y). This is the configuration for the case. In this case, two black ink head cartridges are used for the first black ink K1 and the second black ink K2.
The head cartridge for color ink is divided into three for each of cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink Y.

The head 10 in the printing unit 10 shown in FIG.
The configuration of the cartridge 2 is the configuration shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, a pigment ink having low permeability is used as the first black ink K1, and a dye ink having high permeability is used as the second black ink K2.

When the configuration of the conventional head cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is compared with the configuration of the head cartridge according to the present embodiment, the following can be said.

Comparing the configuration of FIG. 2A with the configuration of FIG. 2C, the number of nozzles per type of black ink is the same, so that the recording speed is the same, but the number of head cartridges Increases by one, so that the device size increases. The same can be said for the case where the configuration of FIG. 2B and the configuration of FIG. 2E are compared.

On the other hand, comparing the configuration of FIG. 2A with the configuration of FIG. 2D, the number of head cartridges is the same and the device size is the same, but the number of head cartridges is the same. Since the number of nozzles is halved, the printing speed is halved. The same can be said for the case where the configuration in FIG. 2B and the configuration in FIG. 2F are compared.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, the recording medium 4 is used to record a monochrome image or a black image which is not in contact with a color region in a color image. The recording state for each type will be described in comparison with the recording state according to the related art.
FIG. 3A shows an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on each recording medium of plain paper, coated paper, and glossy paper in a conventional head cartridge configuration of four inks.
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on each of plain paper, coated paper, and glossy paper when the image quality priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on plain paper when the speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when a black area is recorded on plain paper and coated paper in a conventional four-ink ink jet recording apparatus, the first black ink K1 which is a pigment ink is used. When printing on glossy paper, process black combining three color inks of cyan ink C, magenta ink M, and yellow ink Y was applied.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the image quality priority mode, when recording a black area on plain paper,
An edge area of a black area to be recorded is recorded with the first black ink K1 which is a pigment ink, and an inner area surrounded by the edge area is a first black ink K1 and a second black ink which is a dye ink. Record in combination with K2. Similarly, when recording a black area on coated paper, all areas to be recorded are set to the first black area.
When recording is performed with the ink K1 or the second black ink K2 and recording is performed on glossy paper, all areas to be recorded are recorded with the second black ink K2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the speed priority mode, when recording a black area on plain paper, the carriage scanning direction (FIG. 1 is recorded with the first black ink K1 and the other areas are recorded with the first black ink K1.
Recording is performed using the ink K1 and the second black ink K2 alternately.

Note that the speed priority mode is a mode in which image quality is sacrificed to some extent. On the other hand, printing on coated paper and glossy paper often requires high image quality. Since glossy paper is rarely used, description of the recording state on coated paper and glossy paper in the speed priority mode is omitted.

Table 2 shows the ink usage state for each type of recording medium 4 when recording the above-described monochrome image or color image in the black region not in contact with the color region.

[0059]

[Table 2]

Next, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 3, the recording state on plain paper when recording a monochrome image or an image of a black area which is not in contact with a color area in a color image. Will be described more specifically. FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on plain paper in a conventional four-ink head cartridge configuration. 4) shows an example of a recording state when recording an image on plain paper when the image quality priority mode is set in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 4E and 4F show this embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams respectively showing examples of recording states when recording an image on plain paper when the speed priority mode is set in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIGS. Here, the nozzle resolution of each head cartridge is 60
A case where the print frequency is 10 KHz at 0 dpi will be described. In this case, the carriage scanning speed in the image quality priority mode is 423 mm / s.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
When recording a black area on plain paper with a conventional four-ink ink jet recording apparatus, all the black areas are recorded with the first black ink K1, which is a pigment ink. In this case, the bleeding of the black edge is smaller and the density can be increased as compared with the case where the dye ink is used.
Although high image quality can be achieved, it takes a long time for the pigment ink to dry, so it is difficult to increase the recording speed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the image quality priority mode, when recording a black area on plain paper, the recording is performed. Two dots in the edge area of the target black area are recorded with the first black ink K1 as the pigment ink, and the inner area surrounded by the edge area is recorded in the first black ink K1.
Ink K1 and second black ink K which is a dye ink
Record in a houndstooth check pattern in combination with 2. Thereby, the edge can be sharpened, the drying time can be shortened, and the occurrence of unevenness can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the speed priority mode, when recording a black area on plain paper, The carriage scanning speed is set to 846 mm / s, which is twice that in the image quality priority mode, and one dot in an edge area (left edge and right edge in FIG. 4) in the carriage scanning direction is recorded with the first black ink K1. The other areas are recorded in a staggered pattern by combining the first black ink K1 and the second black ink K2. As a result, the edge can be sharpened, though slightly lower than in the image quality priority mode, the drying time can be shortened, and the occurrence of unevenness can be reduced. Further, in this case, the carriage scanning speed is twice as high as in the image quality priority mode, so that a recording speed approximately twice that in the image quality priority mode can be achieved.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, when recording a color image and recording an image in a black area in contact with the color area, The recording states of the four types will be described in comparison with the recording states according to the related art. FIG. 5A shows an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on each recording medium of plain paper, coated paper, and glossy paper in a conventional four-ink head cartridge configuration.
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on each of plain paper, coated paper, and glossy paper when the image quality priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when recording an image on plain paper when the speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5 (A), when recording a black area in contact with a color area on plain paper and coated paper in a conventional four-ink ink jet recording apparatus, the first ink, which is a pigment ink, is used. When recording on glossy paper by applying 1 black ink K1, process black combining three color inks of cyan ink C, magenta ink M and yellow ink Y is applied. I was

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the image quality priority mode, when recording a black area on plain paper,
The first black ink K1 that is a pigment ink is an edge area that is not in contact with the color area of the black area to be recorded.
And the edge area (boundary area) in contact with the color area is recorded with the second black ink K2 which is a dye ink, and the inner area surrounded by each edge area is recorded with the first black ink K1 and the dye Recording is performed in combination with the second black ink K2 that is the ink. When recording a black area on coated paper, all areas to be recorded are set to the first black ink K1 or the second black ink K1.
When recording with ink K2 and recording on glossy paper,
All areas to be recorded are set to the second black ink K2.
To record.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the speed priority mode, when recording a black area on plain paper, the carriage scanning direction (FIG. 1) and an edge area not in contact with the color area (the edge area on the right end of the paper in the example shown in FIG. 5C) is recorded with the first black ink K1,
An edge area in the carriage scanning direction and in contact with the color area (the left edge of the paper in the example shown in FIG. 5C) is recorded with the second black ink K2, and the other area is recorded with the first black ink K1. And the second black ink K2 are used alternately.

Table 3 shows the use of ink for each type of recording medium 4 when recording an image in a black area that is in contact with the color area when recording the above color image.

[0069]

[Table 3]

Next, referring to FIG. 6, referring to FIG. 5, recording on plain paper when recording a color image and recording an image in a black area which is in contact with the color area. The state will be described more specifically. In addition,
FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on plain paper in a conventional four-ink head cartridge configuration. FIGS. 6C and 6D show examples of the recording state. FIGS. 6E and 6F show an example of a recording state when recording an image on plain paper when the image quality priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams respectively showing examples of a recording state when recording an image on plain paper when the speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. Here, the nozzle resolution of each head cartridge is 600d.
The case where the printing frequency is 10 KHz in pi will be described. In this case, the carriage scanning speed in the image quality priority mode is 423 mm / s.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
When recording a black area with a conventional four-ink ink jet recording apparatus, all the black areas are recorded with the first black ink K1, which is a pigment ink.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the image quality priority mode, a black area which is in contact with a color area on plain paper is recorded. At this time, two dots in the edge region not in contact with the color region of the black region to be recorded are recorded with the first black ink K1 as the pigment ink, and the two dots in the edge region in contact with the color region are recorded. Recording is performed with the second black ink K2 which is a dye ink, and the inner area surrounded by each edge area is further recorded with the first black ink K1 and the second black ink K2 which is a dye ink.
Are recorded in a zigzag pattern. This allows
The edge area not in contact with the color area can be sharpened, the bleeding in the edge area (boundary area) in contact with the color area can be reduced, and the drying time can be further reduced. Can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 (E) and 6 (F), in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment in the speed priority mode, a black area in contact with the color area is recorded on plain paper. In this case, the carriage scanning speed is set to 846 mm / s, which is twice that in the image quality priority mode,
One dot in an edge area (right edge on the paper of FIG. 6) in the carriage scanning direction and not in contact with the color area is recorded with the first black ink K1, and an edge area in the carriage scanning direction and in contact with the color area (FIG. One dot on the left edge area of the six papers) is printed with the second black ink K2, and the other area is printed in a staggered pattern by combining the first black ink K1 and the second black ink K2. . As a result, it is possible to sharpen an edge area which is slightly inferior to that in the image quality priority mode but does not touch the color area, and it is possible to reduce bleeding in the edge area (boundary area) touching the color area, and to dry. The time can be reduced, and the occurrence of unevenness can be reduced. Further, in this case, the carriage scanning speed is twice as high as in the image quality priority mode, so that a recording speed approximately twice that in the image quality priority mode can be achieved.

The first black ink K1 is the second black ink of the present invention.
And the second black ink K2 corresponds to the first black ink of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, an operation when a monochrome image recording process is performed in the image quality priority mode in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. In this processing, a 5 × 5 window W1 shown in FIG. 8 is applied to detect a pixel located in an edge area and a pixel located in an internal area of an image to be recorded. Here, it is assumed that the edge area is an area having a 2-dot width at an edge of an image to be recorded.

In step 100 of FIG. 7, the image data corresponding to the image to be recorded is two-dimensional coordinates (main scanning direction coordinate (X coordinate) and sub scanning direction coordinate (Y coordinate)) similar to the image after recording. The window W1 is positioned at the upper end and the left end in the case where the image data is expanded to the above, and the image data (hereinafter, referred to as “pixel data”) of the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T and the reference pixel S at this time is referred to.

In the next step 102, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is on, that is, whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is a pixel to be recorded. If the pixel is not a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step 110, and if the pixel is a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step 104.

In step 104, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is located in the edge area based on the pixel data corresponding to the reference pixel S. In this determination, when at least one of the pixel data corresponding to the reference pixel S is off, that is, when the pixel data is not a pixel to be recorded, it is determined that the pixel is located in the edge area. This is performed by determining that the position is not located in the area.

In the above step 104, the target pixel T
Is determined to be located in the edge area (in the case of an affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 106, where the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is recorded with the first black ink K1 that is the pigment ink. After the setting, the process proceeds to step 110.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 104 that the pixel corresponding to the pixel T of interest is not located in the edge area (in the case of a negative determination), it is determined that the pixel is located in the internal area, and the process proceeds to step 108. The internal pixel processing is performed as follows.

That is, when the process of step 108 is first executed, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be recorded with the first black ink K1 which is the pigment ink. Is executed, the first black ink is applied to pixels adjacent to the target pixel T in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, that is, four reference pixels S adjacent to the target pixel T in FIG. When there is a pixel set to print with K1, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to print with the second black ink K2 which is a dye ink,
When there is no pixel set to record with black ink K1, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to the first pixel.
Set to record with black ink K1.

As a result, in the internal area, the recording with the pigment ink and the recording with the dye ink are set in a zigzag pattern.

At step 110, it is determined whether or not scanning of all pixel data by the window W1 has been completed.
If not completed (if negative), step 11
The process moves to 2 and moves the position of the window W1 to the right by one pixel in the image data when the window W1 is expanded to the two-dimensional coordinates. Then, the process returns to the step 100. In step 112, if the window W1 is located at the right end of the developed image data, the window W1 is moved to the left end of the image data and one pixel downward (sub-scanning direction).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 110 that the scanning of all the pixel data by the window W1 has been completed (if the determination is affirmative), the present process is terminated.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, every time the setting of the black ink used for recording a predetermined number of pixels is completed by the above processing, the image of the image is set using the set black ink. A record is made.

The processing of step 104 corresponds to the detecting means of the present invention, and the processing of steps 106 and 108 correspond to the setting means of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment when recording a color image in the image quality priority mode will be described. Also in this processing, the 5 × 5 window W1 shown in FIG. 8 is applied, and the pixels located in the edge area, the pixels located in the internal area, and the pixels adjacent to the color area of the image to be printed are determined. To detect. Also, here, the edge area is assumed to be a 2-dot width area at the edge of the image to be recorded.

In step 200 of FIG. 9, the image data corresponding to the image to be recorded is two-dimensional coordinates (main scanning direction coordinates (X coordinates) and sub-scanning direction coordinates (Y coordinates)) similar to the recorded image. The window W1 is positioned at the upper end and the left end in the case where the image data is expanded to the above, and the pixel data corresponding to the target pixel T and the reference pixel S at this time is referred to.

In the next step 202, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is on, that is, whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is a pixel to be recorded. If it is not a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step 216, and if it is a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step 204.

In step 204, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is to record black (indicated as "Bk" in FIG. 9), and if it is not to record black (in the case of a negative determination). Proceeds to step 216. If black recording is to be performed (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step 206.

In step 206, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is adjacent to the pixel to be color-recorded (denoted as “Col” in FIG. 9) based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S. judge.

In this determination, when at least one of the pixel data corresponding to all the reference pixels S is to be recorded in color, it is determined that the pixel data is adjacent to the pixel to be recorded in color. In this case, the determination is made that the pixel is not adjacent to the pixel to be color-recorded.

If it is determined in step 206 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is adjacent to the pixel to be color-printed (if affirmative), step 208
The process proceeds to step 216 after setting the pixel data corresponding to the target pixel T to be recorded with the second black ink K2 that is the dye ink.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 206 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is not adjacent to the pixel to be color-printed (if a negative determination is made), the process proceeds to step 210.

In step 210, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is located in the edge area based on the pixel data corresponding to the reference pixel S. In this determination, when at least one of the pixel data corresponding to the reference pixel S is off, that is, when the pixel data is not a pixel to be recorded, it is determined that the pixel is located in the edge area. This is performed by determining that the position is not located in the area.

In step 210, the target pixel T
Is determined to be located in the edge area (in the case of an affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 212, where the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is recorded with the first black ink K1 that is the pigment ink. After the setting, the process proceeds to step 216.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 210 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is not located in the edge area (in the case of a negative determination), it is determined that the pixel is located in the internal area, and the process proceeds to step 214. The internal pixel processing is performed as follows.

That is, when the process of step 214 is executed first, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be recorded with the first black ink K1 which is the pigment ink. Is executed, the first black ink is applied to pixels adjacent to the target pixel T in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, that is, four reference pixels S adjacent to the target pixel T in FIG. When there is a pixel set to be printed with K1, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be printed with the second black ink K2, and set to be printed with the first black ink K1. When no such pixel exists, a setting is made so that the pixel corresponding to the pixel of interest T is printed with the first black ink K1.

As a result, in the internal area, the recording using the pigment ink and the recording using the dye ink are set in a zigzag pattern.

In step 216, it is determined whether or not scanning of all pixel data by the window W1 has been completed.
If not completed (if negative), step 21
8, the position of the window W1 is moved to the right by one pixel in the image data when the window W1 is expanded to the two-dimensional coordinates, and then the process returns to the step 200. In step 218, if the window W1 is located at the right end of the developed image data, the window W1 is moved to the left end of the image data and one pixel downward (sub-scanning direction).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 216 that the scanning of all pixel data by the window W1 has been completed (if affirmative determination has been made), the present process is terminated.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, every time the setting of the black ink used for recording a predetermined number of pixels is completed by the above processing, the image using the set black ink is completed. A record is made.

The processing of step 210 corresponds to the detecting means of the present invention, and the processing of steps 212 and 214 corresponds to the setting means of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment when a monochrome image is recorded in the speed priority mode will be described. In this processing, pixels located in the internal area and pixels located in the edge area of the image to be recorded by applying the 3 × 3 window W2 shown in FIG. 11 are detected. The internal area referred to here is an area excluding an edge area in the main scanning direction of a monochrome image to be recorded. Further, it is assumed here that the edge area is an area of one dot width at the edge of the image to be recorded.

In step 300 of FIG. 10, the image data corresponding to the image to be recorded is two-dimensional coordinates (main scanning direction coordinate (X coordinate) and sub-scanning direction coordinate (Y coordinate)) similar to the recorded image. The window W2 is positioned at the upper end and the left end in the case where the image data is expanded to the above, and the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T and the reference pixel S at this time is referred to.

In the next step 302, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is on, that is, whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is a pixel to be recorded. If it is not a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step 310, and if it is a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step 304.

In step 304, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is located in the edge area based on the pixel data corresponding to the reference pixel S. In this determination, when at least one of the pixel data corresponding to the reference pixel S is off, that is, when the pixel data is not a pixel to be recorded, it is determined that the pixel is located in the edge area. This is performed by determining that the position is not located in the area.

In the above step 304, the target pixel T
When it is determined that the pixel corresponding to is located in the edge area (in the case of an affirmative determination), the process shifts to step 306 to execute the edge pixel processing shown in FIG.

First, in step 400, a pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S adjacent to the target pixel T in the X coordinate direction (main scanning direction), that is, on the left side of FIG. It is determined whether or not the pixel is on, that is, whether or not the pixel is a pixel to be recorded, based on the pixel data of the pixel. If the pixel is to be processed (if the determination is affirmative), the process proceeds to step 402.

In step 402, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S adjacent to the target pixel T in the X coordinate direction, that is, the right side in FIG. That is, it is determined whether or not the pixel is a pixel to be recorded based on the pixel data of the pixel.
The process proceeds to step 404, and if it is a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step 404.

In step 404, it is determined whether or not the previous X pixel is set to be printed with the first black ink K1 which is a pigment ink. If not set (in the case of a negative determination), step 406 is performed. The process proceeds to step 408 if it is set (if affirmative).

In step 406, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be recorded with the first black ink K1, which is the pigment ink, and then the edge pixel processing is terminated. In step 408, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set. After the pixel data to be recorded is set to be recorded with the second black ink K2 as the dye ink, the edge pixel processing is completed. Upon completion of the edge pixel processing, the flow shifts to step 310 in FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 304 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is not located in the edge area (in the case of a negative determination), it is determined that the pixel is located in the internal area, and the process proceeds to step 308. The internal pixel processing is performed as follows.

That is, when the process of the present step 308 is first executed, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be recorded with the first black ink K1 which is the pigment ink. Is performed, the first black ink is applied to the pixels adjacent to the target pixel T in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, that is, four reference pixels S adjacent to the target pixel T in FIG. When there is a pixel set to be printed with K1, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be printed with the second black ink K2, and set to be printed with the first black ink K1. When no such pixel exists, a setting is made so that the pixel corresponding to the pixel of interest T is printed with the first black ink K1.

As a result, in the internal area, the recording using the pigment ink and the recording using the dye ink are set in a zigzag pattern.

In step 310, it is determined whether or not scanning of all pixel data by the window W2 has been completed.
If not completed (if negative), step 31
Then, the process proceeds to step S2, and the position of the window W2 is moved by one pixel to the right of the image data when the window W2 is expanded to the two-dimensional coordinates. If the window W2 is located at the right end of the developed image data in step 312, the window W2 is moved to the left end of the image data and one pixel downward (sub-scanning direction).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 310 that scanning of all pixel data by the window W2 has been completed (if affirmative determination has been made), the present process is terminated.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, every time the setting of the black ink used for recording a predetermined number of pixels is completed by the above processing, the image using the set black ink is completed. A record is made.

The processing of step 304, step 400, step 402, and step 404 is performed by the detecting means of the present invention, and the processing of step 406, step 408, and step 308 is performed by the setting means of the present invention. Each corresponds.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment when a color image recording process is performed in the speed priority mode will be described. Also in this processing, in the image to be recorded by applying the 3 × 3 window W2 shown in FIG. 11, pixels located in the internal area, pixels located in the edge area, and areas adjacent to the non-black color area Are detected. Also, here, it is assumed that the area adjacent to the edge area and the color area is an area of one dot width at the edge of the image to be recorded.

In step 500 of FIG. 13, the image data corresponding to the image to be recorded is two-dimensional coordinates (main scanning direction coordinate (X coordinate) and sub scanning direction coordinate (Y coordinate)) similar to the image after recording. The window W2 is positioned at the upper end and the left end in the case where the image data is expanded to the above, and the pixel data corresponding to the target pixel T and the reference pixel S at this time is referred to.

In the next step 502, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is on, that is, whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is a pixel to be recorded. If it is not a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a negative determination), the process proceeds to step 518, and if it is a pixel to be recorded (in the case of a positive determination), the process proceeds to step 504.

In step 504, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is recorded in black ('Bk' in FIG. 13).
If not, it is determined that color printing is to be performed (if negative determination is made), the process proceeds to step 506, and the following color image processing is executed.

That is, when the process of step 506 is first executed, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be color-recorded with the color ink of the corresponding color.
Thereafter, when the process of step 506 is executed, the pixels adjacent to the target pixel T in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, that is, four reference pixels S that are in contact with the target pixel T in FIG. When there is a pixel set to perform color printing, it is set not to print the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T, and when there is no pixel set to perform color printing, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set. Is set to perform color printing with the corresponding color ink.

As a result, recording / non-recording is set in a zigzag pattern in an area constituted by a group of pixels to be color-recorded.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 504 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is to record black (if affirmative determination is made), step 508 is executed.
Then, it is determined based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is adjacent to the pixel for color printing. In this determination, if at least one of the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S is to be recorded in color, it is determined that the pixel data is adjacent to the pixel to be recorded in color. This is performed by determining that the pixel is not adjacent to the pixel to be recorded.

If it is determined in step 508 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is adjacent to the pixel to be color-printed (if affirmative determination is made), step 510 is performed.
Then, the color adjacent pixel processing shown in FIG. 14 is executed.

First, in step 600, it is determined whether the preceding X pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S adjacent to the target pixel T in the X coordinate direction (main scanning direction), that is, adjacent to the left side of FIG. It is determined whether or not the pixel is a pixel to be color-recorded (if affirmative), step 606
The process proceeds to step 602 if the pixel is not a pixel to be color-recorded (if negative).

In step 602, it is determined whether or not the rear X pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S adjacent to the target pixel T in the X coordinate direction, that is, the reference pixel S adjacent to the right side in FIG. If it is a pixel to be recorded (if the determination is affirmative), the process proceeds to step 606. If it is not a pixel to be color-recorded (if the determination is negative), the process proceeds to step 604.

In step 604, it is determined whether or not the previous X pixel is set to be printed with the second black ink K2, which is a dye ink. If not set (in the case of a negative determination), step 606 is performed. The process proceeds to step 608 if it is set (if affirmative).

In step 606, the pixel corresponding to the pixel of interest T is set to be recorded with the second black ink K2, which is a dye ink, and then the color adjacent pixel processing is terminated. After the corresponding pixel is set to be recorded with the first black ink K1 that is the pigment ink, the color adjacent pixel processing ends. Upon completion of the color adjacent pixel processing, the flow shifts to step 518 in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 508 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is not adjacent to the pixel to be color-printed (if negative), the process proceeds to step 512.

In step 512, it is determined whether or not the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is located in the edge area based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S. This determination is made when at least one of the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the reference pixel S is in the off state, that is,
If the pixel is not a pixel to be recorded, it is determined that the pixel is located in the edge area. Otherwise, it is determined that the pixel is not located in the edge area.

In the above step 512, the target pixel T
If it is determined that the pixel corresponding to is located in the edge area (in the case of an affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 514 to execute edge pixel processing (FIG. 12) for performing the monochrome image recording processing in the speed priority mode. After executing the same edge pixel processing as in the step (A), the process proceeds to step 518.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 512 that the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is not located in the edge area (in the case of a negative determination), it is determined that the pixel is located in the internal area, and the process proceeds to step 516. The internal pixel processing is performed as follows.

That is, when the process of the present step 516 is first executed, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be recorded by the first black ink K1 which is the pigment ink. Is performed, the first black ink is applied to the pixels adjacent to the target pixel T in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, that is, four reference pixels S adjacent to the target pixel T in FIG. When there is a pixel set to be printed with K1, the pixel corresponding to the pixel T of interest is set to be printed with the second black ink K2, which is a dye ink, and printed with the first black ink K1. When there is no pixel set as described above, the pixel corresponding to the target pixel T is set to be printed with the first black ink K1.

As a result, in the internal area, the recording with the pigment ink and the recording with the dye ink are set in a zigzag pattern.

In step 518, it is determined whether or not scanning of all pixel data by the window W2 has been completed.
If not completed (if negative), step 52
Going to 0, the position of the window W2 is moved to the right by one pixel in the image data when the position is expanded to the two-dimensional coordinates. In step 520, if the window W2 is located at the right end of the developed image data, the window W2 is moved to the left end of the image data and one pixel downward (sub-scanning direction).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 518 that the scanning of all pixel data by the window W2 has been completed (if affirmative determination has been made), the present process is terminated.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, every time the setting of the black ink used for recording a predetermined number of pixels is completed by the above processing, the image using the set black ink is completed. A record is made.

The processing of step 512, step 600, step 602 and step 604 is performed by the detecting means of the present invention, and the processing of step 606, step 608 and step 516 is performed by the setting means of the present invention. Each corresponds.

Note that the printing frequency may be 20 KHz in the edge area and the color adjacent area in the speed priority mode shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, but this frequency is small, so that it does not usually cause a serious problem. However, as shown in FIG.
It is even better if it is set so that the recording is thinned out so as not to become 0 KHz.

As described above in detail, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the image quality priority mode, the penetration speed of the edge region of the black region is relatively low, that is, the black density is relatively high. The first black
Since the recording is performed with the ink K1, the image quality of the edge region can be improved, and the penetration speed of the inner region surrounded by the edge region is relatively high, that is, the time required for relatively drying. The second black is short
Since the recording is performed by combining the ink K2 and the first black ink K1, the drying speed can be increased as compared with the case where the recording is performed using only the first black ink K1. As a result, high-quality image recording can be performed without lowering the recording speed.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the speed priority mode, the penetration speed of the edge region of the black region in the main scanning direction is relatively slow, that is, black bleeding is small and the density is relatively low. Since the recording is performed with the first black ink K1 that is as high as possible, the image quality of the edge area can be improved, and the internal area sandwiched between the edge areas has a relatively high penetration speed, that is, Since the recording is performed in combination with the second black ink K2 and the first black ink K1 which requires a relatively short time for drying, it is compared with the case where the recording is performed using only the first black ink K1. As a result, high-quality image recording can be performed without reducing the recording speed. .

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, in the speed priority mode, the internal area is recorded using the second black ink K2 and the first black ink K1 alternately. Therefore, the frequency of ink ejection per predetermined time can be reduced, so that the recording speed can be increased, and as a result, the number of nozzles for ink ejection does not increase, that is, the apparatus becomes larger. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the printing speed due to an increase in the type of ink without causing the ink.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the boundary area in contact with the color area in the edge area is recorded with the second black ink K2, ink bleeding in the boundary area is performed. Can be prevented.

Also, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the recording medium is glossy paper, the entire black area is set to be recorded with the dye ink, so that smudge can be prevented. In addition, the recording quality for black can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the first black
The case where a low-permeability pigment ink is used as the ink K1 and a high-permeability dye ink is used as the second black ink K2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 1 black ink K1
The first black ink K1 and the second black ink K2 may both be pigment inks or both may be dye inks if the penetration speed of the first black ink K2 is lower than that of the second black ink K2. In this case, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained. However, when each of the black inks is a pigment ink, three times are required when recording on glossy paper.
It is preferable to perform recording using process black in which color inks are combined.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the carriage scanning speed when executing the printing process in the speed priority mode is set to twice the image quality priority mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, any scanning speed can be used as long as it is within a range that can be supported by a mechanism mechanism for carriage scanning, a head driving frequency, an ink supply capability, and the like.

[0150]

As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the first aspect, the penetration speed of the edge region of the black region is relatively low, that is, the black bleeding is small and the density is relatively low. Since the recording is performed with the high second black ink, the image quality of the edge area can be improved, and the penetration speed of the internal area surrounded by the edge area is relatively high, that is, relatively high. Since the recording is performed by combining the first black ink and the second black ink, the drying time of which is short, the drying speed is faster than when recording is performed using only the second black ink. As a result, high quality image recording can be performed without lowering the recording speed.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the second aspect, the penetration speed of the black region in the edge region with respect to the main scanning direction is relatively low, that is, the black region has a small blur and the density is relatively high. Since the recording is performed using the black ink of No. 2, the image quality of the edge area can be improved, and the internal area sandwiched between the edge areas has a relatively high penetration speed, that is, relatively dry. Since the recording is performed by combining the first black ink and the second black ink, which require a short time,
The drying speed can be increased as compared with the case where recording is performed using only the second black ink, and as a result,
An advantage is obtained in that high-quality image recording can be performed without lowering the recording speed.

Further, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, since the internal area is recorded by using the first black ink and the second black ink alternately, it is possible to perform recording for a predetermined time. Ink discharge frequency can be reduced, so that the printing speed can be increased,
As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to suppress a decrease in printing speed due to an increase in the number of inks without increasing the number of nozzles for ink ejection, that is, without increasing the size of the apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a printing unit in an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of the configuration of a conventional head cartridge using four types of inks. FIGS.
(D), (E), and (F) are diagrams according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a head cartridge that uses different types of ink.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a recording state for each type of recording medium when recording an image in a black region that is not in contact with a color region in a monochrome image or a color image. In the configuration, an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on various recording media is shown. FIG. 4B shows an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on various recording media when the image quality priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state, and FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on plain paper when a speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a recording state on plain paper when recording a monochrome image or a black image that is not in contact with a color region in a color image. FIGS. An example of the recording state in the cartridge configuration
(C) and (D) show an example of a printing state when the image quality priority mode is set in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment, and (E) and (F) show a speed priority in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when a mode is set.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a recording state for each type of recording medium when recording an image in a black region in contact with a color region when recording a color image. (B) shows an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on various recording media in the cartridge configuration. FIG. 3B shows an example of a recording state when an image quality priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state, and FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording state when an image is recorded on plain paper in a case where the speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a recording state on plain paper when recording an image in a black area which is in contact with a color area when recording a color image. FIGS. (C) and (D) show examples of the recording state in the cartridge configuration, and (E) and (F) show the example of the recording state when the image quality priority mode is set in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams respectively showing examples of recording states when a speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a monochrome image recording process in the image quality priority mode in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a 5 × 5 window W1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a color image recording process in the image quality priority mode in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a monochrome image recording process in the speed priority mode in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a 3 × 3 window W2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of edge pixel processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a color image recording process in a speed priority mode in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of color adjacent pixel processing.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a recording state when the speed priority mode is set in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Carriage 2 Head cartridge 3 Guide shaft 4 Recording medium 10 Printing part C Cyan ink K1 1st black ink (2nd black ink) K2 2nd black ink (1st black ink) M Magenta ink Y Yellow Ink

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Naosuke Ino 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Ebina Works F-term (reference) 2C056 EA01 EA05 EA11 EB29 EB58 EC65 EE14 EE16 EE18 FA10

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus for performing black recording on a recording medium using a first black ink and a second black ink having a lower penetration speed into the recording medium than the first black ink. Detecting means for detecting an edge region of a black region to be recorded; recording the edge region with the second black ink; and defining an internal region surrounded by the edge region with the first black ink and the first black ink. Setting means for setting so as to print in combination with the second black ink. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus for performing black recording on a recording medium using a first black ink and a second black ink having a lower permeation speed into the recording medium than the first black ink. Detecting means for detecting an edge region of a black region to be recorded in the main scanning direction; recording the edge region with the second black ink; and defining an internal region sandwiched between the edge regions with the first black color. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: setting means for setting so as to perform recording by alternately using ink and the second black ink. 3. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein, when recording a black portion of the color image, the setting unit sets an area of the edge area that is in contact with the color area to be recorded with the first black ink. Or the inkjet recording device according to claim 2. 4. The first black ink is a dye ink,
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second black ink is a pigment ink. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said setting means sets the whole area of said black area to be recorded with said dye ink when said recording medium is glossy paper.